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Gold medalists shuffle seats on race eve

For the first time since well before the London Olympics, the tight-knit four will change their seating plan.

It’s only a small change, with David Smith moving to the front seat, and Tate Smith swapping to number two.

“Things like that are always my idea, I guess, so if it doesn’t work I’ll be the one who gets the blame,” Tate Smith said.

“We’re quite a versatile crew. With our crew I’m always trying to push our boundaries and trying to improve us as a crew, I’m never satisfied with where we are or get complacent.”

One of the reasons for the change is the conditions on the Moscow course, where the wind can be particularly challenging.

“Last time we raced there was a really strong headwind, and having Smithy at the front, he’s a bit lighter, he can tick over the boat a little bit better and I can sit back and provide a bit of extra power to the middle of the boat,” Smith said.

“I’ve been in the front of the K4 now for four or five years, so that’s why it’s such a big decision for me to move to number two. But I’m pretty confident he can do a good job in number one and I can do a good job in seat two, and potentially we could go a lot better.”

After finishing third at last year’s World Championships the K4 are looking to make a statement this year.

They’ve never won a World Championship gold, but after winning the final World Cup event before this weekend Tate Smith believes this year could be the year.